WASHINGTON (AFP) - The White House on Thursday launched a Spanish-language webpage called "A new course for Cuba" and devoted to explaining US President Barack Obama's opening to the longtime Cold War foe.

"We are separated by 90 miles of water, but we are united by shared relations and the desire to promote democracy, prosperity and stability in Cuba," the White House says on the new page, which reproduces Mr Obama's speech Wednesday announcing plans to normalise relations.

"President Obama is taking measures to undo the failed policies of the past, and begin a new chapter in US relations with Cuba," the site says.

The text reiterates that for half a century Washington had a "failed focus" on Cuba, which "provoked the regional and international isolation of our country."

The page also lays out the measures announced by Mr Obama, including the normalisation of diplomatic relations, the easing of rules on travel and remittances, the granting of general licenses for people wanting to travel to Cuba, and changes in export-import rules.

The Straits Times

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